Driver license waits set to shrink

DPS officers line the front of the new Leon Valley Mega Center on Evers Road during opening ceremony.

Photo By Mike Fisher

7410 Huebner, opens Tuesday.

Photo By Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

Department of Public Safety opened a new Mega Center in Leon Valley on Evers. New kiosks will enable users to log in their cell number to reserve an appointment time or get a paper ticket with an appointment number.

Photo By Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

Enrique Antu helps Danielle Jimenez, left, at an automated kiosk at the Department of Public Safety new Leon Valley Mega Center.

Texas Department of Public Safety's new supersized office for driver licensing and testing opens to the public on Tuesday. It's not a giant building, but it does offer big improvements in customer service for much-dreaded license transactions, officials said Friday.

DPS and area elected officials who previewed the 24,000-square-foot facility in Leon Valley said it will speed up business for hundreds of customers each day, with online sign-up and scheduling for some services to reduce notorious waits.

The tech-laden facility, like five others around the state, was placed in a bustling suburb because of economic and demographic considerations. Planning began in 2010, and lawmakers in 2011 appropriated $63 million for the six sites to address relentless complaints about poor customer service.

“We are determined to change the old perception that getting your driver's license is going to be a hassle,” she said. “It can and should be a quick, convenient and even enjoyable experience for each of our customers.”

Leon said the public's response has been highly favorable after the opening of two similar centers in Spring and Rosenberg, near Houston; Pflugerville, north of Austin; and Garland, near Dallas. The sixth center opens soon in Fort Worth.

During planning phases, local opposition surfaced over worries about the site's impact on traffic, commerce, nearby schools, churches and neighborhoods. But city officials pressed on, partnered with DPS and vowed to monitor the facility's consequences.

Leon Valley Mayor Pro-tem Kathy Hill said the city's location was key to its selection, which could help local businesses.

“We've always known that we're blessed to be so well located,” she said, citing its proximity to major highways and the Medical Center. “It puts us in the heart of where people travel every day,” she said.

Persuading the public “wasn't an easy thing to do,” said state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, whose district includes the center.

“Sometimes communities don't understand. They say, 'What's a mega center?' Well, what it's going to mean is that you have not only the best services available for all of San Antonio, but particularly for this fast-growing northwest quadrant,” she said.

DPS will continue operating other driver licensing offices in the San Antonio area. Their activity will be assessed in coming months, said DPS assistant director Rebecca Davio, who oversees the driver license division.

Customers seeking to drive 18-wheelers still need to go to other DPS offices, she said.

“This facility is really designed to help the vast majority of Texans that need their licenses or identification cards,” she said. “We don't do the Class A driver license, which is the big semi-trucks,” at mega centers, she said.

A DPS website, www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense, explains how to find the mega center, how to apply for a new license or identification card and how to renew or change a license. It also offers information on surcharges, suspensions and reinstatements.

Typical customers at the mega centers will be able to do their business quickly with several high-tech aids, DPS Sgt. Jason Reyes said. The facility has numerous kiosks and computer monitors to expedite transactions.

“You can actually go online and place yourself in line for this location, or you can show up in person. You can input your cellphone and it will prompt you with a text” for you estimated wait time, Reyes said.